Power outages aren’t exactly rare in Northern California. In the coming months, residents who own a compatible electric vehicle — such as the Ford F-150 Lightning — will effectively be able to use it as a backup generator.
Ford has teamed up with PG&E, the main energy provider in the region, for a bidirectional electric vehicle charging project. The companies claim the F-150 Lightning can power a home for up to 10 days (depending on energy needs) in the event of an outage. Sunrun, another of the automaker’s partners, will start installing Ford’s Intelligent Backup Power system in Northern California this spring.
Pros
- Wide selection of engines, including gasoline hybrid and upcoming full electric option
- Eye-popping maximum towing capacity, even from hybrid version
- Easy-to-use infotainment system with large 12-inch screen option
- Many available truck-friendly features, including onboard generator
Cons
- Interior storage spots could be roomier or more versatile
- Available hybrid powertrain is noisy when powering the available onboard generator
What’s new
- 3.0-liter diesel engine is no longer available
- A new Black Appearance package debuts on several models
- Part of the 14th F-150 generation introduced for 2021
The pickup truck landscape has gone through a lot of changes recently. Now there are more midsize and compact “crossover” trucks than we’ve seen in decades, but full-size trucks remain the leader both in terms of sales and capabilities. Coming off a full redesign last year, the 2022 Ford F-150 is currently our favorite in the class, with more advanced technology, a long list of truck-friendly features, and a thoroughly modern interior.
Like any other full-size truck, the F-150 is offered in a variety of body styles, bed lengths and engine choices. For 2022, the 3.0-liter diesel option has been discontinued, though an upcoming full electric model, the F-150 Lightning, goes on sale in 2022. And Ford’s PowerBoost hybrid powertrain remains an effective full-size truck alternative, delivering strong performance while returning high fuel economy figures. It can even serve as a potential backup power source for your house.
As noted in our Expert Rating below, the Ford F-150 is a top pick among other trucks in the class, barely edging out the Ram 1500 and handily surpassing the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. There’s also an all-new Toyota Tundra that adds its own hybrid version for the first time this year. In any case, we suggest comparing all of these alternatives against the F-150. After a thorough test drive, we’re confident you’ll agree it’s the best truck for the job.
What’s it like to live with?
We added a 2021 Ford F-150 with the hybrid V6 engine to our long-term road test fleet fresh off naming the best-seller as our Edmunds Top Rated Truck of 2021. The F-150 continues to do traditional truck things well, but we want to play around with Pro Power Onboard and get a better sense of the hybrid fuel economy over 20,000 miles. Check out our experiences with the 2021 F-150 here.
The Ford F-150’s updated interior and features further enhance the best attributes of a modern pickup: power, efficiency, comfort and capability. Add to that a huge range of configurations and options, and you’ve got a highly appealing light-duty pickup.
How does the F-150 drive?
8.5/10
Ford offers a wide range of engines and configurations. We tested a 4WD crew cab in the Platinum trim with the new hybrid powertrain. In Edmunds’ testing, it reached 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, which is significantly quicker than any similarly equipped pickup. Alas, the sensation of the gas engine kicking on and off means this powertrain lacks smoothness at low speeds that you’ll find in the 5.0-liter V8 and non-hybrid turbocharged 3.5-liter V6 engines. The 10-speed automatic provides smooth and quick shifts across all powertrains.
The F-150 has direct and quick steering. That makes the truck feel smaller and more nimble in parking lots plus more stable on the freeway. The brakes are powerful and give you confidence in their stopping power, even when they’re recuperating power with the hybrid powertrain. Considering its high towing and payload capabilities, the F-150 is overall a pleasing truck to operate.
How comfortable is the F-150?
8.0/10
The F-150 can be a massively comfortable truck depending on the options you choose and the ones you skip. The front seats are supportive and can be equipped with heating, ventilation, three-level lumbar adjustment and even a massaging function. The available Max Recline front seats can recline to give you a nearly flat seat to rest or take a nap, but they lack the side bolstering and overall comfort of the standard seats.
While the F-150 rides pretty comfortably, the Ram’s unique coil-spring rear suspension provides a slightly better ride. Road, tire and wind noise is kept to low volumes. Most of the F-150’s available engines sound pretty cool and aren’t overly loud. The exception is the optional Power Boost hybrid, which sounds and vibrates like a portable gas generator when it’s charging the battery.
The climate control system is effective and powerful, requiring little adjustment to maintain your desired temperature.
How’s the interior?
9.0/10
Depending on configuration, the F-150 can present a bewildering number of options and controls. Fortunately, the interior layout is intuitive, so you never have to second-guess what you’re reaching for. You can adjust most of the truck’s big knobs and controls even when you’re wearing gloves.
A wide range of seat, steering wheel and pedal adjustments ensure a fit for drivers of all shapes and sizes. The crew cab’s spaciousness means you won’t be short on room either. Ample exterior visibility is afforded in part by large windows and a scalloped section in the front door that clears a view around the side mirrors. The optional surround-view camera system provides visibility all the way around too.
The F-150 offers many impressive tech features. The available 12-inch center touchscreen and digital gauge cluster are attractive and easy to use. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration is standard as are some basic advanced driver safety aids. And plenty more features are available as options.
The most impressive bit is Pro Power Onboard, an option that essentially turns the F-150 into a generator. Available in three power output levels depending on powertrain (2.0 kW, 2.4 kW and 7.2 kW), this feature adds power outlets in the bed that transform the tailgate party/camping/construction/off-the-grid experience.
How are the towing and storage?
8.5/10
The F-150 is now the top light-duty pickup truck when it comes to towing and hauling. With the right equipment and configuration, the F-150 is rated to tow as much as 14,000 pounds. The PowerBoost powertrain is just a little lower, at a maximum of 12,700 pounds. For comparison, the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is capable of towing 13,400 pounds, while the Ram 1500 can tow as much as 12,750 pounds.
In terms of the payload capacity, the F-150 now tops out at an incredible 3,325 pounds — that’s nearly 1,000 pounds more than the nearest competitor, the Silverado, which checks in at 2,250 pounds. The bed isn’t the biggest, and the tailgate doesn’t do any origami-style folding, like those on the Ram and GM trucks. But the available power up-and-down feature and tailgate step remain useful.
How’s the fuel economy?
8.5/10
EPA-estimated fuel economy is a strong point for the F-150. With rear-wheel drive and either the V8 or the 3.5-liter V6, the F-150 gets an estimated 20 mpg combined for city/highway driving. That’s a bit better than a V8-equipped Silverado or Ram. The new F-150 hybrid with 4WD gets an estimated 24 mpg combined.
All gas engines are recommended to run 87 octane, and fuel tank sizes range from 23 to 36 gallons. But we will note that in our years of testing, Ford’s turbocharged engines have underperformed relative to the EPA estimates.
Is the F-150 a good value?
8.0/10
This is a solidly built and well-appointed truck that provides luxury touches at the upper trim levels. On top of the F-150’s stout standard offerings that line up confidently against competitors, its true value rests in its wide range of configurations and options that allow buyers to tailor their truck to their needs.
Unlike GM trucks, you can opt for the most desirable engine at the base trim level, and unlike Ram trucks, you have more engine, cab and bed options to pick from. The only place the Ford doesn’t pull ahead of its GM and Ram competitors is in warranty and ownership perks — it offers similar coverage.
If you care about bragging rights, the F-150 delivers. It’s available with the most torque and quickest acceleration (excluding the niche Ram 1500 TRX), as well as the highest non-diesel fuel economy estimate and greatest towing and payload ratings. You’ll have top-tier bragging rights to friends and neighbors. Beyond that, the F-150 is available with some paint colors that are just plain cool, like Leadfoot and Smoked Quartz. The colors do well to highlight the exterior design, with the front grille styled after the one on Ford’s Super Duty. Alas, the interior lacks the warmth and presence we enjoy from Ram, its closest competitor.
Which F-150 does Edmunds recommend?
The midrange Lariat trim gets our recommendation since it includes plenty of features and keeps the cost reasonable. You get a larger infotainment screen and some additional safety features (blind-spot monitor, lane keeping assist and rear automatic braking) as well as leather upholstery and several added convenience items.
Ford F-150 models
The 2022 Ford F-150 is offered in six primary trim levels: XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum and Limited. There are also the off-road-oriented Tremor and Raptor models that exist outside the traditional lineup. There are three cab styles — regular, SuperCab (extended) and SuperCrew (crew cab) — and three bed lengths depending on cab style. Along with the many trim levels and cab styles, the F-150 offers six available powertrains. All are paired to a 10-speed automatic transmission with either rear- or four-wheel drive except the Raptor, which is 4WD-only.
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